Sicily - Casa Nel Paradiso English

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Sicily is the largest   island of the Mediterranian. The history goes far back into the ancient world. The Greek and Romans praised Sicily as "Gift of God" and in many cities visitors even today can find many antique and impressive buildings with the feeling of old days. Those are the cities of Siracusa, Agrigento, Giardini Naxos and Taormina.

The symbol of the island is the woman's head surrounded by snakes and small wings located in three bend legs around the head. The form of the island Sicily is close to a triangle, that gave it the antique name Trinakria. In front of the north coast from East to West resides the Tyrrhenian Sea, in front of the East coast the Ionian Sea and between the South coast, the Southwest coast and the African continent resides the Road of Sicily (italian: Canale di Sicilia).
Sicily consits of an area of 26,500 km² with ca. 5 Millions of inhabitants. The island is divided into 9 provinces, each of them carries the name of the largest town. Those 9 provinces are divided in 360 communities.
The highest mountain of Sicily is called Etna (3.323 m), the largest and most active European volcano. Another still active volcano is called Stromboli located on the island Stromboli north of Messina.
The Greek cities of Sicily (Agrigent, Selinunte, Segesta, Syrakus, to name the most important) were known to be the most beautiful cities of the Helenic world. Those who are visiting the Valley of Temples in Agrigento or participate a performance in the Greek Theater of Syrakus feel themselves transferred back in the classical Greek history.  
Sicily not only offers culture but also versatile natural areas and national parks as well as wonderful beaches with sand and gravel. It is a sunny island with a typical Sicilian cuisine that combines flavors of the entire Mediterranean cuisine and as well provides an intellectual touch which is demonstrated by the literary masterpieces of Luigi Pirandello, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, Leonardo Sciascia, Gesualdo Bufalino and Andrea Camilleri.
The Place
It's more than an island! Discover Sicily and discover the world. The world's first multicultural society, Sicily is Italy's (and Europe's) most historically cosmopolitan region, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. Sicily is black and white and a million shades of gray. There's no other place on Earth like Sicily. The island is a unique place full of art, archeology, history, folklore and breathtaking scenery. And, of course, great food. Sicily is almost a nation unto itself. The countryside is a mixture of Hills, Mountains and fruitful lowlands with many farms producing fantastic quality of fruit and vegetables. The highest mountain is the Etna (3300m), the largest active volcano in Europe. In summer time this area is huge hiking area and in winter times a famous ski area. Here you can find also a spectacular Golf park.
The enchanting land where Archimedes taught and Saint Paul preached was a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate and a Norman kingdom. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Swabians, Angevins and Aragonese made Sicily their own, leaving behind an eclectic history that you can still touch today. And Sicily will touch you. Sicily is Europe, Africa and Asia on one island. Greek tyrants, Arab emirs, Norman knights, Byzantine   bishops and Holy Roman Emperors made Sicily the place it is. Experience their legacy in Phoenician settlements, Punic cities, Greek temples, Roman amphitheatres, Norman Arab castles and Aragonese churches. Thirty centuries of history expressed in the Classical, the Romanesque, the Gothic, the Baroque...
Very popular is a trip to the Eolian islands Lipari, Salina, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea, Volcano and Stromboli. Those islands can be reached during the main season by boat from many cities across the northern coast and at all times by ferries starting from Milazzo.   
Ferry boats
There are many connections via ferry boats to and from Sicily, connecting to the small islands but also to the main country of Italy. Especially the connection from Villa San Giovanni to Messina is very popular when traveling to Sicily by car. Standard vehicles do not need reservations but larger cars like campers etc. should request information beforehand about the current transport regulations. The ferries usually leave the harbour every 20 minutes.

There is also a very popular connection from Napoli to Palermo with Tirrenia or GNV. The daily departure is at around 8.00 p.m. and you reach Palermo at 6.00 a.m.

The ferries to the Eolian Islands depart from Milazzo, however during high season there are also trips from Capo d'Orlando possible.
More Information about Sicily can be obtained from:
bestofsicily.com/                                             Travel Guide
italyheaven.co.uk/sicily/index.html                     Tourist info
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